The North Fair Oaks/Redwood City Community Collaboration for Children’s Success (NFO/RWC CCCS) Neighborhood Action Team recently gathered for a celebration at the Redwood Shores Library. We played games, enjoyed fajitas, and even sang some karaoke! Rafael Avendano, Executive Director of Redwood City Together, highlighted achievements and invited folks to reflect on our work together. What came through was the power of collaboration and trusting relationships between so many partners who are committed to seeing our youth succeed.  

The NFO/RWC CCCS Neighborhood Action Team launched in January 2022 with a core group of local government and non-profit partners, and RWC Together as the lead. Together CCCS partners have been able to host a myriad of free community events that provide spaces for families to have fun together and connect with resources. The Community All Stars sports event, and Books and Bikes event in North Fair Oaks are two recent examples. The group also bolstered participation in civic engagement processes like the People’s Budget, and World Café Community Dinner and Dialogue. By collaborating, we lighten the load of planning, amplify outreach to our priority populations, and combine our expertise. Together we have helped strengthen each other as leaders and advocates for youth.  

I am so proud that CCCS has attracted positive attention and critical funding. This year the CCCS core partners, including County Health, received recognition from State Senator Josh Becker. In April, RWC Together received $500,000 from Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund (SV2) for their community collaboration and leadership on CCCS. This summer, California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (CACHI) selected RWC Together for a $400,000 grant to address youth empowerment, employment, and enrichment opportunities. Redwood City was also a finalist for the 2023 All-America City Award from the National Civic League, for their cross-sector partnerships and youth engagement efforts, including CCCS.  

There is so much momentum from this group. It is a joy to witness and take part in, and we invite you to join the table as well. If you’re interested in joining the NFO/RWC CCCS Neighborhood Action Team, or starting a similar initiative in another CCCS community, please reach out to me at mle@smcgov.org. I would love to collaborate.